Influence of Biofertilizers on Vegetative Growth, Flower Quality, Bulb Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Tulip (Tulipa gesneriana L.)

The present study was aimed to assess the effect of different bio-fertilizers on growth and flower quality characteristics of tulip (Tulipa gesneriana). The experiment was carried out under open conditions in a complete randomized block design with three replications. Five biofertilizer treatments viz N-fixer bacteria (Azotobacter, Azospirillum), Rhizobium, phosphorus solubilizing bacteria and control were used in the study. The results revealed that all the growth and reproductive parameters were successfully accomplished by application of biofertilizers. The treatment containing Azospirillum (T₄) was significantly superior in terms of plant height, flower size, florets fresh weight and sprouting than rest of the treatments. Same treatment T₄ at par with T₃ showed significantly highest number of bulbs per plant and more vase life as compared to other treatments. Similarly, bulb weight per plant, single bulb weight, bulb size, number of daughter bulbs per plant and nutrient uptake was also recorded highest in T₄, while lowest values of these parameters was noticed in control treatment.